Donning Assist Device For Stockings and Other Compression Garments

ABSTRACT

An extremity garment donning assist device, includes a rigid structure that, in one embodiment, contains no handles or other extending members. The device has an open cylindrical configuration that is well suited to placing compression garments on a user or patient. For instance, the device is well suited to placing a stocking on the foot of a wearer. When using the device, a compression garment is turned partially inside out over a top edge of the device forming an outstretched opening. A user then inserts one&#39;s foot into the outstretched opening. In a pivoting motion, the foot is then pushed down through the device causing the compression garment to at least partially or entirely release from the device for placement on a person&#39;s foot and leg. In order to assist in the pivoting motion, the garment donning assist device can include a flattened area, an indentation and/or an anti-skid member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/234,462, filed on Aug. 17,2009.

BACKGROUND

Those suffering from lymphatic and/or circulatory disorders are commonlyprescribed a compression garment for wear to help in the reduction andmanagement of swelling and circulation in their extremities. Forexample, compression garments configured to surround one's arm or legare typically used to treat lymphedema. Lymphedema is an accumulation oflymphatic fluid resulting from impairment of the lymphatic transportsystem. Lymphatic fluid can build up in different affected areas of thebody, especially in the arms and legs. Lymphedema can cause pain,chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and reduced mobility. In this regard,compression garments are typically placed over the affected extremity inorder to counteract fluid build-up.

Compression garments, such as compression sleeves, compressiongauntlets, and compression stockings, are typically made from an elasticmaterial. The elastic material, for instance, may comprise an elasticknitted woven material.

In order for the compression garments to function properly, the garmentsare typically designed to cover substantially the entire extremity. Forexample, compression sleeves typically cover the entire arm extendingfrom the wrist to the shoulder of the wearer. Similarly, compressionstockings typically extend from the foot to the hip of the weareralthough knee-high stockings are also available. Selecting a compressiongarment with the appropriate amount of compression is critical tosuccessfully treating lymphedema or other circulatory diseases. If thegarment provides too little compression, for instance, the garment maybe ineffective in preventing fluid build-up. Too much compressionexerted by the garment, on the other hand, can damage the tissues.

Compression garments are typically not worn while sleeping. If wornwhile sleeping, for instance, the garment may provide too muchcompression when the body is inactive. Most compression garments alsoneed to be replaced every four to six months since the elasticproperties of the garments tend to degrade. Thus, compression garmentsnormally have to be removed and applied at least once during the day.Unfortunately, most patients prescribed these highly elastic garmentsfind it difficult to don them. While donning the arm sleeve, one arm isrendered useless while the opposite arm is left to pull on the garment.Not only is the individual trying to use one arm for a traditionally twoarm event, the patient may be further compromised by skin integrity,immobility, inflexibility, obesity, weakened from a medical condition orsuffer from limited mobility or other condition limiting their abilityto properly don the extremity compression garment.

In order to improve and facilitate the donning of compression garments,in the past, it was recommended to apply a thin layer of cornstarch orpowder to the extremity prior to placing the compression garment on theextremity. Some manufacturers also recommend wearing rubber or vinylgloves while putting on the compression garment to provide a better gripon the fabric and to prevent one's fingernails from damaging the fabricor one's skin.

In view of the above problems experienced in donning compressiongarments, however, a need currently exists for a device and a method forfacilitating application of a compression garment onto one'sextremities.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure is directed to an extremity garmentdonning assist device that is designed to assist an individual indonning a compression garment onto an extremity, especially a stockingor other leg garment. The garment donning assist device of the presentdisclosure is particularly well suited to providing assistance to thosewho may be suffering from a medical condition and lack flexibility orsuffer from limited mobility.

In one embodiment, for instance, the present disclosure is directed toan extremity garment donning assist device that includes a rigidstructure having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of opposing sidewalls. The side walls extend outwardly to define an open cylindricalconfiguration that extends from the top to the bottom of the rigidstructure. In one embodiment, for instance, the side walls are curvedsuch that the rigid structure has an arcuate-shaped cross section. Forinstance, the arcuate-shaped cross section can form an open channel thathas walls extending from about 120° to about 210°, such as from about150° to about 175°.

In one embodiment, the top edge of the rigid structure can be rounded inorder to facilitate application of the compression garment. The bottomedge, however, can be flat for maintaining the rigid structure in anupright configuration when used on an adjacent surface. In addition, therigid structure can include an interior surface that is relativelysmooth in comparison to an exterior surface. The rougher exteriorsurface, for instance, may facilitate holding a compression garment inplace, while the smooth interior surface may facilitate application ofthe garment to an extremity, such as one's leg or foot. Overall, therigid structure has a size such that a compression garment can be slidover the top edge leaving an outstretched opening. The outstretchedopening is for receiving a users' extremity for donning the compressiongarment.

In one embodiment, the rigid structure can include a flattened arealocated adjacent the bottom edge. For instance, the flattened area canbe located in between the two side walls. The flattened area can extendthe entire length of the rigid structure, can have a length that is lessthan ½ the length of the rigid structure, or can have a length that isless than ¼ the length of the rigid structure. In one particularembodiment, for instance, the flattened area can have a width of fromabout 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches and can have a length of from about0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches. In one embodiment, an anti-skid membercan be located on the flattened area on the exterior surface of therigid structure. The anti-skid member, for instance, can be made from acompressible material, such as an elastomeric material. The anti-skidmember can prevent the device from slipping on a surface, such as afloor, when an extremity such as a foot, is being inserted into acompression garment.

In one embodiment, the rigid structure can also define an indentationopposite the flattened area. The indentation can project outwardly fromthe interior surface of the rigid structure. The indentation can formpart of the bottom edge of the rigid structure and can have a size so asto allow the rigid structure to stand upright when placed on a flatsurface.

The present disclosure is also directed to a process for donning acompression garment. The process includes the steps of placing acompression garment over the extremity garment donning assist device asdescribed above. The compression garment is placed over the top edge ofthe rigid structure, turned partially inside-out, and pulled down ontothe device so as to form an outstretched opening. The device is thenplaced on a flat surface such that the outstretched opening isperpendicular to the surface.

An extremity, such as a foot, is inserted into the outstretched openingof the compression garment. With a forward and downward motion, the footcan be used to pivot the extremity garment donning assist device into anupright configuration. During this motion, the compression garment iscaused to slide up and over the foot of the user. If any part of thecompression garment is remaining on the extremity garment donning assistdevice, the remainder can be slid off the device and onto the calf orleg of the user.

Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed ingreater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth moreparticularly in the remainder of the specification, including referenceto the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an extremitygarment donning assist device made in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the donning assist device illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the donning assist device illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the donning assist deviceillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the donning assist device illustrated in FIG.1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of a garment donning assistdevice made in accordance with the present disclosure illustrating acompression garment loaded on the device;

FIGS. 7 through 9 are side views of one embodiment of an extremitygarment donning assist device made in accordance with the presentdisclosure showing one embodiment of a process for donning a garmentusing the device; and

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of anextremity garment donning assist device made in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, andis not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the presentdisclosure.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a garment donningassist device that is particularly well suited for applying compressiongarments, such as compression sleeves, compression gauntlets, andcompression stockings onto the extremities of a wearer. Such compressiongarments are typically prescribed to those suffering from lymphedema orcirculatory disorders. The compression garments are intended to providecompression to an extremity, such as an arm or leg, for preventingfluids from accumulating within the treated region. Compressiongarments, in order to provide the needed therapy, are highly elastic andsomewhat difficult to place over one's arm or leg without the assistanceof a caregiver. Further, since many individuals using compressiongarments suffer from lymphedema or circulatory diseases, the problemsassociated with donning the garments become exacerbated due to thehealth state of the wearer. For instance, individuals suffering from theabove conditions are often in pain and suffer from chronic inflammation,reduced mobility and may also even suffer from skin ailments.

In this regard, the present disclosure is directed to a garment donningassist device that not only assists an individual in placing acompression garment on an extremity, such as an arm or leg, but alsoserves to ensure that the garment is properly located and positioned onthe extremity to be treated. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 through5, one embodiment of a compression garment donning assist device 10 isshown. As illustrated, the garment donning assist device 10 includes arigid structure 12.

The rigid structure 12 includes a top edge 16, a bottom edge 18, a pairof extending side walls 20 and 22 and a back wall 21. The side walls 20and 22 extend in a manner that forms a cylindrical configuration, suchas an open channel 24 as shown in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the side walls 20 and 22are curved such that the rigid structure 12 has an arcuate-shaped crosssection. It should be understood, however, that the open channel 24 canhave various other shapes and configurations. For example, in analternative embodiment, the side walls 20 and 22 may extend along a morelinear path. In this embodiment, for instance, the rigid structure 12may have more of a polygon-like cross sectional shape. For example, inone embodiment, the rigid structure 12 may have an open rectangularcross sectional shape.

In general, the cross sectional shape of the rigid structure 12 isintended to partially encircle an individual's extremity, such as an armor leg. As will be described in greater detail below, the shape is alsoused to form an opening in a compression garment for insertion of anextremity.

The amount the side walls 20 and 22 of the rigid structure 12 areextended may vary depending upon the particular application and variousfactors. When the rigid structure 12 has an arcuate-shaped crosssection, for instance, the side walls may extend from about 120° toabout 210°, such as from about 150° to about 175°. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, for instance, the rigid structure 12 forms asubstantially open half cylindrical configuration.

The rigid structure 12 can be made from various different materials aslong as the structure has sufficient rigidity to hold a compressiongarment. For instance, the rigid structure 12 can be made from a solidmaterial. For example, the rigid structure can be made from a singlepiece of metal or from a structural plastic material. When formed from aplastic material, the rigid structure can be made from any suitablepolymer. For instance, the rigid structure can be made from apolyolefin, a polyester, a polyamide, a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, acopolymer thereof, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, for instance,the rigid structure 12 can be made from a single continuous piece ofplastic comprised of a copolyester, such as PETG.

Alternatively, the rigid structure 12, instead of being made from acontinuous solid piece of material, may have a grid-like structure orapertured structure.

In one embodiment, the rigid structure 12 can include a first, interiorsurface that defines the open channel and a second, exterior andopposite surface. In one configuration, the first surface can berelatively smooth, while the opposite second surface can be textured.The second surface can be textured so as to better hold a compressiongarment in place while the garment is being donned by a user. The secondside of the rigid structure 12 can be textured using any suitabletechnique. For instance, the mold used to form the plastic material mayinclude undulations that create a textured surface on the second side.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the open channel 24 formed bythe rigid structure 12 generally has the same dimensions or size fromthe top edge 16 of the structure to the bottom edge 18. In otherembodiments, however, the open channel 24 may taper in one direction.For instance, the open channel 24 may decrease in size from the top edge16 to the bottom edge 18. The dimensions of the rigid structure 12 canvary dramatically depending upon the size of the user and the type ofcompression garment being donned. For exemplary purposes, when designedto don stockings, for instance, the rigid structure can have a length offrom about 6 inches to about 10 inches, such as from about 7 inches toabout 7.5 inches. The diameter of the open channel 24, on the otherhand, can generally be from about 3 inches to about 6 inches. Forinstance, in one embodiment, the diameter of the open channel can befrom about 3.75 inches to about 4.25 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the top edge 16 canhave a different shape than the bottom edge 18. For instance, the topedge 16 can have a rounded shape. Having a rounded shape allows for acompression garment to slide over the device without being snagged onany sharp edges. The bottom edge 18, on the other hand, can be flat toprovide stability. For instance, as will be described in greater detailbelow, the garment donning assist device 10 during use is typicallyplaced upright on a flat surface, such as a table or floor. Having aflat bottom edge 18 makes the device more stable when placed upright onan adjacent surface, especially when pressure is applied to the device.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the garment donning assistdevice 10 can further include a flattened area 30. When present, theflattened area 30 can serve several functions. The flattened area 30,for instance, provides stability to the garment donning assist device 10when either placed in a vertical position as shown in FIG. 1 on asurface or when placed in a horizontal position as shown in FIG. 7 on asurface. The flattened area 30 can also receive an anti-skid member 34as shown in particularly in FIGS. 2 and 4 that prevents the donningassist device 10 from slipping or sliding on a surface when pressure isapplied to the device and the device is pivoted as will be described ingreater detail below.

In the embodiment illustrated, the flattened area projects outwardlyfrom the exterior surface of the rigid structure 12. In an alternativeembodiment, however, the flattened area may be flush with the exteriorsurface of the side walls. In this embodiment, the side walls wouldextend from the flattened area 30.

When the flattened area 30 extends outwardly out from the exteriorsurface of the rigid structure 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, anindentation 32 can also be formed along the interior surface of therigid structure. As shown in the figures, the indentation 32 correspondsin size and shape to the flattened area 30. Having an indentation asshown creates a tab along the bottom edge 18 that maintains the garmentdonning assist device 10 in an upright configuration when placed on asurface, such as a floor. The indentation 32 can also have a size andshape so as to facilitate a foot or arm during donning of a garment asthe foot or arm is brought down through the open channel 21. Forinstance, when inserting a foot through the open channel of the garmentdonning assist device, the foot will generally descend verticallythrough the channel and then begin to horizontally emerge from thechannel. During this transition from vertical to horizontal motion, theindentation may provide extra space for the heel.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flattened area 30 islocated adjacent to the bottom edge 18 and only extends over a portionof the length of the rigid structure 12. It should be understood,however, that the flattened area 30 (and corresponding indentation 32)may extend along the entire length of the rigid structure 12. In otherembodiments, the flattened area 30 may have a length that is less thanabout ½ the length of the rigid structure, such as by having a lengththat is less than ¼ length of the rigid structure. In one particularembodiment, for instance, the flattened area 30 and the correspondingindentation 32 may have a width of from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5inches and have a length from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the anti-skid member 34 is attached to theflattened area 30. The anti-skid member may cover the entire flattenedarea 30 or only a portion of the flattened area 30. in addition, theanti-skid member may terminate at the bottom edge 18 of the rigidstructure or may wrap around the bottom edge of the rigid structure.

The anti-skid member 34 can be made from any suitable material that willincrease the friction of the rigid structure against an adjacentsurface. In one embodiment, for instance, the anti-skid member 34 may bemade from a compressible material, such as an elastomeric material. Theelastomeric material, for instance, may be a natural rubber or may beformed from a synthetic polymer.

In operation, the garment donning assist device 10 can be used to don acompression garment to an upper or lower extremity. The device aides indonning compression garments where strength or medical conditionsinhibit the compliance of donning because of the difficulty in pullingthe garment completely up one's arm or over one's leg. One method ofusing the garment donning assist device 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 6through 9. In FIGS. 6 through 9, a compression garment or stocking isshown being positioned over a user's foot and calf.

In one embodiment, in order to use the garment donning assist device 10,as shown in FIG. 6, the device is first placed vertically on a surface,such as a floor. A compression garment 50 is then prepared forapplication to the device. As shown in FIG. 6, for instance, thecompression garment 50 is draped through the inside open channel of thedevice. The outer edge of the garment 50 is then draped over the topedge of the rigid structure 12. In particular, the garment 50 ispartially folded inside out and folded over the top of the rigidstructure. Depending upon the size of the compression garment 50, thegarment 50 can be pulled over the entire length of the rigid structure12 or only over a portion of the rigid structure. As shown, once thecompression garment 50 is positioned on the donning assist device 10, anoutstretched opening 52 is formed at the top that is then ready toreceive a user's foot.

Compression sleeves, for instance, can be formed from various materials.Desirably, the compression sleeve stretches in at least two differentdirections. Materials that may be used to form the compression sleeveinclude, for instance, elastic foam materials, woven materials, knittedmaterials, films, and combinations thereof. For example, in oneembodiment, the compression sleeve comprises a knitted fabric containingelastic threads, yarns or filaments. Alternatively, the compressionsleeve may comprise a woven fabric containing elastic yarns. In stillanother embodiment, the compression sleeve may comprise an elastic filmalone or in combination with various woven and nonwoven materials. Forexample, in one embodiment, the compression sleeve may comprise anelastic film bonded to a stretchable fabric.

As shown in FIG. 7, once the compression garment 50 is properly loadedonto the donning assist device 10, the device can be placed horizontallyon a surface, such as on the floor. A user's foot is then inserted intothe outstretched opening 52. The open channel formed by the rigidstructure 12 can have a shape and size designed to produce anoutstretched opening having dimensions that facilitate insertion of thefoot.

Once the foot is inserted into the outstretched opening, with a forwardand downward motion, the foot is pivoted until the device is in avertical upright position as shown in FIGS. 7 through 9. As also shownin the figures, during this motion, the entire foot is inserted into thecompression garment 50. Thus, in one motion, the foot is inserted intothe compression garment while the donning assist device pivots from ahorizontal position to a vertical position.

Once the donning assist device 10 is in a vertical position as shown inFIG. 9, the remainder of the compression garment 50 can then be pulledup the leg of the wearer and off the donning assist device 10. The openchannel formed by the rigid structure 12 allows the foot and leg of thewearer to be released from the donning assist device once the garment isproperly positioned on the wearer.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of a donning assistdevice 110 made in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Inthis embodiment, the donning assist device 110 includes a rigidstructure 112 comprising a pair of curved side walls 120 and 122. Theside walls 120 and 122 form an open cylindrical configuration definingan open channel 124 extending along the length of the rigid structure.The rigid structure further includes a top edge 116 and a bottom edge118. As shown, the top edge 116 can have a rounded configuration, whilethe bottom edge 118 can be generally flat.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the donning assist device 110does not include any indentation or flattened area on the interior orexterior surface of the rigid structure. Depending upon the materialused to form the rigid structure, the other features described abovewith respect to FIG. 1 may be eliminated while still attaining a veryfunctional product.

These and other modifications and variations to the present inventionmay be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which ismore particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, itshould be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may beinterchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is byway of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention sofurther described in such appended claims.

1. An extremity garment donning assist device comprising: a rigidstructure having a pair of side walls that extend outwardly to define anopen cylindrical configuration, the rigid structure having a top edge, abottom edge, and a length therebetween, the side walls extending fromthe top edge to the bottom edge, the rigid structure being comprised ofa material comprising a polymer, the top edge having a rounded profilewhile the bottom edge having a flat profile, the rigid structure havinga size such that a compression garment can be slid over the top edgeleaving an outstretched opening, the opening for receiving a user'sextremity for donning the compression garment.
 2. An extremity garmentdonning assist device as defined in claim 1, wherein the interiorsurface is relatively smooth and the exterior surface is relativelyrough in relation to each other.
 3. An extremity garment donning assistdevice as defined in claim 1, further comprising a flattened areaadjacent the bottom edge, the flattened area being located in betweenthe side walls.
 4. An extremity garment donning assist device as definedin claim 3, wherein the flattened area extends substantially the entirelength of the rigid structure.
 5. An extremity garment donning assistdevice as defined in claim 3, wherein the flattened area extends lessthan about ½ the length of the rigid structure.
 6. An extremity garmentdonning assist device as defined in claim 3, wherein the flattened areaextends less than about ¼ the length of the rigid structure.
 7. Anextremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 1, furthercomprising an indentation that projects outwardly from the interiorsurface, the indentation being positioned adjacent the bottom edge. 8.An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 3,wherein the flattened area has a width from about 1.5 inches to about2.5 inches and has a length from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches.9. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 1,further comprising an anti-skid member comprised of a compressiblematerial, the anti-skid member being located on the exterior surfaceadjacent to the bottom edge.
 10. An extremity garment donning assistdevice as defined in claim 9, wherein the anti-skid member is positionedbetween the pair of side walls, the anti-skid member being comprised ofan elastomeric material.
 11. An extremity garment donning assist deviceas defined in claim 1, wherein the side walls of the rigid structure arecurved such that the rigid structure has an arcuate-shaped crosssection, the arcuate-shaped cross section of the rigid structureextending from about 120° to about 210° in defining the open cylindricalconfiguration.
 12. An extremity garment donning assist devicecomprising: a rigid structure having a pair of side walls that extendoutwardly to define an open cylindrical configuration, the rigidstructure having a top edge, a bottom edge and a length therebetween,the side walls extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, the rigidstructure having an interior surface and an exterior surface; ananti-skid member comprised of a compressible material located on theexterior surface of the rigid structure, the anti-skid member beingpositioned adjacent to the bottom edge; and wherein the rigid structurehas a size such that a compression garment can be slid over the top edgeleaving an outstretched opening, the opening for receiving a user'sextremity for donning the compression garment.
 13. An extremity garmentdonning assist device as defined in claim 12, further including aflattened area positioned adjacent the bottom edge of the rigidstructure, the anti-skid member being located on the flattened area. 14.An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 13,wherein the rigid structure further includes an indentation thatprojects outwardly from the interior surface, the indentation beinglocated opposite the flattened area.
 15. An extremity garment donningassist device as defined in claim 14, wherein the flattened area has awidth of from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches and a length fromabout 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches.
 16. An extremity garment donningassist device as defined in claim 12, wherein the anti-skid member iscomprised of an elastomer.
 17. An extremity garment donning assistdevice as defined in claim 12, wherein the top edge of the rigidstructure is rounded.
 18. An extremity garment donning assist device asdefined in claim 12, wherein the bottom edge of the rigid structure isflat.
 19. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim12, wherein the device does not include any handles that extend from therigid structure.
 20. A process for donning a compression garmentcomprising: placing a compression garment over the top edge of theextremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 12, thecompression garment being placed over the top edge of the garmentdonning assist device and pulled down on the rigid structure so as toform an outstretched opening; placing the extremity garment donningassist device on a flat surface such that the outstretched opening isperpendicular to the surface; inserting a foot into the outstretchedopening; and pivoting the extremity garment donning assist device into avertical position while inserting the foot into the compression garment.